Vo Boss Podcast

BOSSes, Anne Ganguzza and Tom Dheere (The VO Strategist) ring in the new year with a reality check on modern voiceover career strategy. In an industry increasingly influenced by AI and market saturation, the "throw everything at the wall and see what sticks" approach is no longer viable. This episode is a deep dive into the power of focus—mastering one genre at a time, picking the right marketing portals, and closing the "relevance gap" by becoming a high-level human storyteller.     Chapter Summaries: The Relevance Gap and AI (10:45) Tom introduces the "relevance gap"—the widening space between aspiring talent and working professionals. He argues that AI is rapidly consuming low-budget, entry-level work. To remain relevant, talent must move beyond simply "reading well" and invest in high-level storytelling skills (acting, improv, etc.) that AI cannot yet replicate. The Danger of the Multi-Demo Rush (03:55) The hosts notice a troubling trend: new talent getting five demos produced before they've mastered a s

Building a sustainable voiceover career in 2026 requires more than great performance—it means understanding how agencies submit talent, how online casting has evolved, and how discoverability now works in an increasingly digital and AI-influenced landscape. Today's voice actors need clarity, adaptability, and a strategy grounded in how the industry actually operates. In this episode of VO BOSS, Anne Ganguzza and J. Michael Collins sit down for a candid conversation about modern voiceover career strategy. Together, they explore how submissions are filtered behind the scenes, why becoming a trusted, go-to talent matters more than constant chasing, and how marketing, SEO, and emerging AI search tools now play a role in being found. This episode offers practical, experience-based insight into building a career that's positioned for long-term success.      Chapter Summaries: The Entrepreneurial "Happy Accident" (04:14) JMC reflects on a 30-year career built on "happy accidents" and flying by the seat of his pants

BOSSes, do you cringe when you hear your own playback?  Anne Ganguzza and Lau Lapides reveal why how to love your voice is the most important mindset shift you can make for your voiceover career! This episode is a "VO Valentine" to all the talent struggling with self-doubt. Learn why professional commitment beats romanticized expectations, how to handle negative feedback without spiraling, and why resilience is your true superpower. In this episode, you'll discover: The Comparison Trap: Why wishing you sounded like someone else is sabotaging your unique brand. Love as a Professional Commitment: How to stay in the game even when you "hate" your performance that day. The "Avalanche" Effect: How to stop one bad comment from ruining your entire business. Healing Through Gratitude: Anne Ganguzza's powerful story of perspective following a major health challenge. Why Love Sells: How to use genuine emotional connection to make your auditions stand out to clients. If you're ready to stop the self-sabotage

BOSSes host Anne Ganguzza is joined by co-host Lau Lapides and special guest Carol Alpert (voice actor and on-camera coach) to tackle the industry's most persistent headache: the inability of talent to follow instructions. Whether it's ignoring age ranges in casting specs, butchering file naming, or losing patience during a live session, failing to follow the "rules" of an audition is the fastest way to get your file tossed. The hosts stress that being a "trained actor" means being disciplined enough to read between the lines and respect the client's process. The Casting Filter: Why 70% Get Ditched (01:48) Lau Lapides reveals a shocking statistic: in a recent casting for 35–45 year olds, 70% of the auditions were from talent clearly outside that age range. Agents use specs to filter talent quickly; if you submit for a role you clearly don't fit, you are essentially asking to be ignored. Following the demographic specs is the first step in following directions in voiceover. The File Naming Pet Peeve (07:04) Pr

BOSSes, are you being sold a voiceover dream that's actually a nightmare?  Anne Ganguzza and Tom Dheere expose the predatory world of "demo mills" and reveal why your VO demo  might be holding you back! This episode is your survival guide to the industry's biggest investment. Learn how to spot red flags, understand why "four hours of coaching" is a scam, and how to ensure your demo actually gets you cast. In this episode, you'll discover: The $3,000 Mistake: A real-world story of a talent who was taken for a ride by bad training. Genre Mixing Red Flags: Why putting promo spots on a commercial demo kills your credibility. Performance vs. Voice: Why "golden pipes" aren't enough to make a demo serviceable. The Stock Script Trap: How generic copy makes you blend in instead of standing out. Recourse Strategies: What to do if you've already spent money on a sub-par demo. If you're ready to stop being a "hobbyist" and start building a competitive voiceover business, this episode is a must-watch!  

BOSSes, are you ready to become "undeniable" in the voiceover industry?  Anne Ganguzza sits down with Matthew "Slim Da Reazon" Parham (Director of Operations at NAVA) to discuss the high-stakes world of authentic voiceover casting and vocal advocacy! Matthew shares his journey from professional musician to a top-tier voice actor for Marvel and ESPN, while revealing what happens behind the scenes on Capitol Hill. In this episode, you'll discover: The NAVA Mission: How voice actors are fighting for the right to own their own voices in the age of AI. The Cadence Secret: How to transition from slam poetry and hip-hop to a "universal" commercial sound. Authentic Casting: Why the "lived-in experience" is your most valuable asset as a performer. The AI Reality: Why luxury brands and politicians will never fully replace the human connection. The "ZFG" Mindset: Why audacity is the secret ingredient to booking major global brands. If you're serious about the future of your voiceover business, this conversat

BOSSes, feeling down because everyone else seems to be booking but you?  Anne Ganguzza and Danielle Famble reveal why comparing your voiceover success to social media "vague bookings" is the fastest way to kill your career momentum! This episode is a masterclass in business mindset. Learn why the "national commercial" you're jealous of might not be the windfall it seems, and how to reclaim your joy by minding your own business. In this episode, you'll discover: The Reality Behind the Post: Why you can't trust the financial perception of social media wins. Social Media Palate Cleanse: Why Danielle took a year-long hiatus and how it helped her business. The Danger of Rate Shaming: Why your financial strategy and rates are your business alone. From Jealousy to Celebration: How truly being happy for others can actually manifest success for you. Hidden Cuts: The agents, managers, and taxes that turn a "big gig" into a smaller reality. If you're ready to stop doomscrolling and start thriving in your own

BOSSes, Anne Ganguzza and her superpower co-host, Lau Lapides, assert that subtext in voice acting is the single most important element for delivering a powerful, unique, and castable performance. The bosses challenge the common mistake of literal reading, offering practical strategies—from audience analysis to efficient marking—that elevate a performance from predictable to profound.     Chapter Summaries: Subtext Defines Uniqueness (01:00) Lau states that subtext—the underlying interpretation of a line—is what makes a talent unique. The hosts explain that relying solely on obvious language or descriptive adjectives leads to predictable, robot-like reads. The true power lies in making nuanced choices about what the words really mean to the listener. Audience and Empathy are Everything (02:44) Subtext is entirely dependent on who you are talking to. Anne uses the example of corporate narration: the subtext for an investor (focused on financial facts) is different from the subtext for a consumer (focused on c

BOSSes Anne Ganguzza and Tom Dheere (The VO Strategist) detail the foundational strategy for achieving your voice acting career goals in the new year. Using a proven five-category system taught by industry veteran Dan Duckworth, Tom provides a structured method for turning ambition into executable action plans. The hosts emphasize that in a career where you wear all the hats, efficiency, education, and a healthy mindset are the keys to long-term success.

BOSSes, Anne Ganguzza is joined by premier coach Dave Walsh for a deep conversation on navigating personal and professional challenges in chaotic times. They assert that the solution to anxiety and stress is to stop focusing on external chaos and instead, live and work from a place of internal purpose and core values. This episode offers powerful insight into why purpose-driven voice acting is the only way to achieve authentic connection and career longevity.  

BOSSes, Anne Ganguzza is joined by multi-award-winning global voice actor Toby Ricketts to explore the mindset and techniques required for world-class, remote performance. Toby, who works across British, Australian, New Zealand, and American markets from his remote New Zealand studio, emphasizes that the true superpower for acting for global voice actors lies in intuition, emotional connection, and deliberately making unexpected choices to capture a listener's attention.  

BOSSes, Anne Ganguzza and Danielle Famble dive into the uncomfortable reality of voice actor negotiation and handling lowball offers. This episode provides essential strategies for maintaining grace, protecting your worth, and ensuring you don't burn bridges when you have to say no. The hosts stress that money is the language of business, and understanding negotiation as a collaborative process is key to long-term success.

BOSSes, Anne Ganguzza and her superpower co-host, Lau Lapides, dive into the non-negotiable reality of voiceover demo production. The bosses address why many voice actors—especially those starting out—try to cut corners on their demos, despite the demo being the primary portfolio piece used to land agents and get work. This episode provides essential, current advice on what makes a demo effective, what red flags to avoid, and how to manage the realistic expectations of investing in a long-term voice acting career. 00:03 - Anne (Host) Hey guys, it's Anne Ganguzza here. Are you ready to find your life purpose and live a happier, more fulfilling life? My coaching services can help you discover your true passions and align them with your goals. Let's start that journey today. Visit anneganguzza.com for more information.  00:31 - Speaker 2 (Announcement) It's time to take your business to the next level, the boss level. These are the premier business owner strategies and successes being utilized by the industry's

BOSSes, Anne Ganguzza and Tom Dheere share decades of combined experience, reflecting on the realities of voice acting career longevity. From the cassette tape demo era to today's digital age, the hosts emphasize that sustaining a career for 20+ years requires more than just talent—it demands resilience, strategic goal setting, and a deep sense of gratitude to combat the inevitable inconsistency of the industry.

BOSSes, Anne Ganguzza is joined by the extraordinary Tina Marasco, Head of Casting at Sound and Fury, a respected coach, and the voice of HGTV's Love it or List it. With over three decades of experience spanning agency, acting, and casting, Tina offers indispensable casting director secrets for bridging the gap between a voice actor's truth and a client's real-world needs. 00:03 - Anne (Host) Hey VOBoss family Anne Ganguzza here as we wrap up the year. I just want to say thanks for being a part of this amazing community and because you bosses deserve a little holiday love, I'm giving you 10% off all demos and coaching through December 31st. Your demo discount is automatically applied and for coaching, just enter code COACHINGBFF at checkout. Treat yourself to some career growth this season at anneganguzzacom.  00:36 - Speaker 2 (Announcement) It's time to take your business to the next level, the boss level. These are the premier business owner strategies and successes being utilized by the industry's top tal

BOSSes, Anne Ganguzza is joined by Danielle Famble and special guest Jennifer Clark (Host of Human Kindness at Work podcast) for a Boss Money Talk Series crossover episode. They explore the profound impact of charitable giving. This episode demonstrates that giving—whether time, money, or relationships—is not just good for the soul; it's a strategic act that combats hopelessness, strengthens local ties, and creates powerful networking opportunities for your voiceover business.   00:01 - Anne (Host) Hey guys, Anne Ganguzza here. Imagine a voiceover journey where every step is filled with discovery and growth. That's the path I want to work on with you, through nurturing coaching and creative demo production. Let's unveil the true potential of your voice together. It's not just about the destination, it's about the gorgeous journey getting there. Are you ready to take the first step? Connect with me at anneganguzza.com.  00:32 - Speaker 2 (Announcement) It's time to take your business to the next level, the bos

BOSSes, Anne Ganguzza and Lau Lapides explore a core challenge for every voice actor: managing personal emotions and moods to deliver a consistent, authentic performance. The Bosses delve into how easily actors can slip into autopilot or let personal frustration compromise a read. This episode provides practical acting methodologies to help you discipline your thoughts, shift your emotional state on demand, and utilize your entire emotional range to serve the story.

Anne Ganguzza and Tom Dheere share decades of combined experience in this insightful episode, dedicated to the long view of a voice acting career. Having been in the industry since the cassette and CD demo era, the hosts emphasize that longevity is achieved not through linear steps, but through resilience, strategic adaptation, and continuous self-improvement. The discussion provides a candid look at why the work never stops, the necessity of community, and the critical importance of mastering the mental game.   00:00 - Anne (Host) Hey bosses, Anne Ganguzza here. Are you ready to take the next step in your voiceover career? At Anne Ganguzza Productions, I specialize in target marketed coaching and demo production that gets you booked. If you're thinking about elevating your performance or creating an awesome demo, check me out at anneganguzza.com.  00:22 - Speaker 2 (Announcement) It's time to take your business to the next level, the boss level. These are the premier business owner strategies and successes b

Anne Ganguzza sits down with Billy Collura, a powerhouse agent with over 30 years at CESD New York. Billy shares his unique perspective on the dramatic evolution of the voice acting industry, from the early days of union-only radio spots to the current market dominated by non-union and digital opportunities. This conversation provides essential insight into the biggest voice acting trends that have shaped the industry and reveals the simple, authentic quality that makes a voice actor successful today. 00:03 - Anne (Host) Hey guys, it's Anne from VO Boss here.  00:06 - Speaker 2 (Announcement) And it's George the Tech. We're excited to tell you about the VO Boss. Vip membership, now with even more benefits.  00:12 - Anne (Host) So not only do you get access to exclusive workshops and industry insights, but with our VIP plus tech tier, you'll enjoy specialized tech support from none other than George himself.  00:23 - Speaker 2 (Announcement) You got it. I'll help you tackle all those tricky tech issues so you

The sensible and lovely Danielle Famble joins BOSS Anne Ganguzza to discuss a critical, often-overlooked aspect of running a voiceover business: disaster preparedness and maintaining operations during times of crisis. Using Danielle's personal experience of a sudden apartment flood, the hosts outline the necessary steps for every voice actor to ensure both physical and financial resilience.